Australia and Bangladesh produced commanding displays to notch important wins in their final group-stage matches at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, as the race to the Super Six stage intensified on a compelling day of action.
Australia crush Sri Lanka by nine wickets
Australia underlined their title credentials with a ruthless performance against Sri Lanka, bowling the Islanders out for a paltry 58 before sealing a nine-wicket victory inside 12 overs.
After opting to field, Australia struck immediately through Charles Lachmund, who removed both openers inside the third over to set the tone. The innings quickly unravelled as William Byrom took complete control, ripping through Sri Lanka’s middle order with a sensational five-wicket haul. Byrom dismissed skipper Vimath Dinsara and struck twice in quick succession to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 30 for 6.
Only Chamika Heentigala’s 14 offered brief resistance as Sri Lanka collapsed, with Byrom returning to clean up the tail and finish with outstanding figures. Australia’s chase was a formality, as Steve Hogan guided the side home with an unbeaten 28, supported by Nitesh Samuel’s 19 not out, sealing victory in just 12 overs.
The result ensured Australia finished the group stage unbeaten, carrying strong momentum into the knockout phase.
Bangladesh overpower USA to seal Super Six berth
Bangladesh kept their World Cup campaign alive with a composed seven-wicket win over the USA, earning their first victory of the tournament and securing qualification for the Super Sixes.
Choosing to bowl, Bangladesh struck twice early to leave USA wobbling at 6 for 2. A stabilising 51-run partnership between Sahil Garg and captain Utkarsh Srivastava briefly steadied the innings, but Bangladesh’s spinners soon tightened the grip. Shahriar Ahmed and Iqbal Hossain removed the key batters, while Rizan Hossain chipped in with two vital wickets to reduce USA to 128 for 7.
A late counterattack from Adnit Jhamb, who remained unbeaten on 68, lifted USA to 199, but it was never enough. Bangladesh’s reply was anchored by a fluent opening stand of 78 before skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim took charge. Tamim produced a mature innings of 64 off 82 balls, sharing a decisive 88-run partnership with Kalam Siddiki Aleen to swing the match firmly in Bangladesh’s favour.
Aleen and Rizan Hossain calmly completed the chase, guiding Bangladesh home and keeping their World Cup hopes firmly alive.
With Australia marching on in dominant fashion and Bangladesh reigniting their campaign, the Under-19 World Cup continues to deliver high-quality cricket and emerging stars on the global stage.
